First cruise was a blast!
Norwegian Encore Cruise Review
7 Night Alaska Glacier Bay (Seattle Roundtrip)
Sail date: July 03, 2022
Ship: Norwegian Encore
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 9720
Traveled as: Family (older children)
Reviewed: 1 year ago
Review summary
Our first cruise and first trip to Alaska. Had a wonderful time overall. Difficulties largely focused around kid activities and may largely be causes by covid rules and/or hiring shortages. Would still do the trip again. The Encore is a beautiful ship.Embarkation
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Food Republic
Food Republic may be the best kept secret on the ship. It wasn't as busy as some of the other specialty restaurants and I couldn't tell you why that was. The food is OUTSTANDING. We didn't have one dish we didn't like. Sushi was fresh and delicious. The staff was great, friendly, helpful, and attentive. We had a dining package which meant we each chose 4 dishes, which was great for sharing. You should definitely check it out.
Onboard Activities
Pulse Fitness Center
We used the fitness center in the morning and that helped counter a bit all the food we ate during the day 🤣Lots of equipment, never had an issue finding a place to work out.
Aqua Park
Kids loved the pools and the slides, when it was warm enough.
Entertainment
Encore Speedway
We had a blast at the Speedway. The issue was getting to ride. Our reservations kept getting bounced because of weather, but they don't honor the original reservations. You just need to make a new one. By the end, we only got on once and my youngest, who needed the double kart option, never got to ride. You also needed to go up to the Speedway to see if it was open, no information was available from the app or TVs. Very disappointing overall.
The Cavern Club
The Beatles band were fantastic, but get there early. It's a small venue with limited seating. Had to stand and watch quite a few times.
Encore Theater
Saw both the Choir of Man and Kinkyboots. Both were fantastic!
Children's Programs
Splash Academy
My 8 year old had a blast here, never had any complaints. The issue was the limited times it was open and how many kids were allowed in (50 on a ship of 3000). Often we were in line for 30-45 minutes before it opened, just to make sure he got in. And then it was only open for 2 hours.
Entourage Teen Club
My 13 year old loved coming here daily and enjoyed the freedom of coming and going as he pleased.
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ports of call
Disembarkation
Traveler Photos
